The former president-elect of the Oxford Union, George Abaraonye, has apologised to the family of Charlie Kirk for comments that appeared to celebrate the far-right activist's death. Kirk was shot dead in September while speaking at Utah Valley University.
Abaraonye, 20, sent messages in a Union WhatsApp group and on Instagram shortly after Kirk's death, including 'Charlie got shot, let's f***ing go' and 'Charlie Kirk got shot loool'. He later said he reacted without full context and apologised once he understood the severity.
The Oxford Union distanced itself from the remarks, stating it 'unequivocally condemn the reported words and sentiments expressed by the President-Elect'. Abaraonye was subsequently ousted after a vote of no confidence.
Addressing Kirk's family, Abaraonye said: 'I want to offer my apologies and my condolences. No one deserves to lose a husband, no child deserves to grow up without a father.' He added that he reacted 'without nuance' and without research.
Abaraonye also faced online abuse, including racist messages, which he said contributed to a mental breakdown. He noted that despite his title, he is 'still just a 20-year-old student at university'.
